Class : 9 – Lesson (11) Wind
EXPLANATION AND SUMMARY
The poem “Wind”, originally written in Tamil by Subramania Bharati and translated into English, is a symbolic poem that speaks about the power of nature, particularly the wind, and compares it with the inner strength of human beings. The poem carries a powerful message — that the wind, though a natural force, behaves much like the challenges and hardships we face in life.
At the beginning of the poem, the poet addresses the wind directly and urges it to be gentle. He says, “Wind, come softly,” as if speaking to a living entity capable of understanding and responding to emotion. However, the wind refuses to obey. Instead, it tears through the world with force — breaking shutters, scattering papers, throwing books off shelves, and causing general chaos. The poet lists these destructive actions to show how uncontrollable and unforgiving the wind can be when it arrives with great intensity.
This destructive aspect of the wind is then compared to the trials and difficulties of life. Just as strong wind breaks weak structures, the struggles in life destroy people who are weak — whether in body, mind, or spirit. The poet cleverly draws this metaphor to suggest that only the strong survive, while the fragile are easily broken.
He speaks of crumbling doors, rafters, wood, and bodies, and how weak hearts and homes fall victim to the wind’s rage. Through these lines, Bharati makes a broader philosophical point: just as we must build strong houses to withstand storms, we must build strong minds and characters to face life’s troubles. The wind becomes a symbol of adversity, and the only way to fight it is by becoming resilient and prepared.
The poet’s tone shifts in the second half of the poem. He advises the reader to build firm doors, join the body firmly, and make the heart steadfast and strong. These instructions are both literal and metaphorical. Literally, they refer to physical preparation, but metaphorically, they refer to mental toughness, determination, and resilience. The poet suggests that we should not pray for the wind to stop but instead learn to face it boldly.
In the final lines, the poet praises the wind god and says that the god rewards and supports those who are strong, while those who are weak are broken and discarded. This reflects Bharati’s deep philosophical and nationalist vision, encouraging strength, courage, and unity among individuals, especially in the face of challenges.
Stylistically, the poem is written in free verse without a fixed rhyme scheme, which complements the theme of the uncontrolled and wild nature of the wind. The language is simple, yet the message is deep and powerful.
✅ Conclusion
“Wind” by Subramania Bharati is not just about the physical force of nature but a symbolic portrayal of life’s difficulties. The poem teaches us to be strong in spirit, mind, and body, so we can withstand the storms of life. Rather than fearing challenges, we should face them with courage, preparation, and resilience — because only the strong stand tall when the winds of life blow fiercely.
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STANZA
Stanza based questions
📜 Last Stanza of the Poem “Wind”
The wind blows out weak fires
He makes strong fires roar and flourish
His friendship is good
We praise him every day
Questions and Answers
✅ Q1. Fill in the blank with a suitable one-word substitution (1 mark)
The wind strengthens strong fires and destroys weak ones. It acts as a __ force in life.
Answer: purifying
(Explanation: “Purifying” is a one-word substitution for a force that removes the weak and enhances the strong.)
✅ Q2. Multiple Choice Question – Choose the correct idiom that best matches the idea of “roar and flourish” (1 mark)
A) Come full circle
B) Stand the test of time
C) Go from strength to strength
D) Add fuel to the fire
Answer: Go from strength to strength
✅ Q3. Answer in 15 words (1 mark)
What quality does the wind value according to the poet, and how does he treat it?
Answer:
The wind values strength; it supports the strong and helps them grow, while destroying the weak.
✅ Q4. Answer in 40 words (2 marks)
How does the last stanza reflect the poet’s overall message about life and struggle?
Answer:
The stanza reinforces that life favors those who are strong, resilient, and prepared. The wind, a symbol of challenge, encourages the strong to rise further. By praising it, the poet urges us to befriend hardship through inner strength and determination.
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OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
Questions and Answer
✅ Q1. What destructive actions of the wind are described in the poem? (3 marks – 60 words)
Answer:
The poet describes the wind as tearing down houses, breaking shutters, scattering papers, and throwing books off shelves. It blows out weak fires and crushes fragile objects. These actions portray the wind as a powerful and uncontrollable force of nature that does not favor the weak, whether they are buildings or people.
✅ Q2. Why does the poet urge us to build strong houses and firm hearts? (3 marks – 60 words)
Answer:
The poet suggests building strong houses and firm hearts to withstand the challenges that the wind brings. Symbolically, the wind represents life’s difficulties. Those who are weak get crushed, but those who are well-prepared, disciplined, and resilient survive and grow stronger. Strength, both physical and mental, is necessary to face adversity.
✅ Q3. How does the wind become a friend to the strong, according to the poet? (3 marks – 60 words)
Answer:
According to the poet, the wind supports and encourages those who are strong and determined. It fans strong fires and helps them flourish. In life, this suggests that adversities help brave individuals grow. The wind, though harsh, becomes a friend when one is able to face it with courage and resilience.
✅ Q4. Explain the symbolic significance of “the wind” in the poem. (3 marks – 60 words)
Answer:
In the poem, the wind symbolizes the challenges, struggles, and unpredictable events of life. Just as wind destroys the weak and strengthens the strong, life’s trials defeat the timid but strengthen those with courage and preparation. The wind is not merely physical—it stands for emotional, social, and spiritual hardships as well.
✅ Q5. What moral lesson does the poem “Wind” convey to students and young readers? (6 marks – 120 words)
Answer:
The poem teaches an important lesson: strength of character, determination, and resilience are essential to face life’s challenges. Just like wind blows away weak things, life tests us through hardships and difficulties. If we are emotionally fragile or unprepared, we may break under pressure. But if we are strong in will and spirit, we can thrive. The poet encourages young readers to discipline themselves, build strong values, and not fear adversity. Instead of running from problems, we should face them boldly. The wind becomes a symbol of transformation—one that rewards the bold and teaches us to grow. This message is especially relevant for students who are building their futures and facing decisions every day.
✅ Q6. Imagine “wind” as a teacher. What would it teach us about life, strength, and growth? (6 marks – 120 words)
Answer:
If wind were a teacher, it would teach us that life is not always calm or predictable. It would remind us that strength isn’t about avoiding hardship, but about standing firm when tested. Like a wise teacher, wind challenges our weaknesses, shakes our comfort zones, and forces us to improve. It teaches us to prepare in advance, build our foundations stronger, and never rely on ease. It pushes us to become better — mentally, emotionally, and physically. Most importantly, wind would teach us that struggles are not enemies but stepping stones, and only by facing them head-on can we become confident, capable, and wise. Its toughest lessons leave us stronger than before, ready for any storm.